TCNJ

29 29 ANNUAL REPORT 2015–2016 "Our success depends on the generosity of many." It's a familiar refrain at TCNJ that's as true of the college as it is of our comprehensive campaign. Over the years, the institution has benefitted immensely from the time, talent, and dedication of countless professors, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends. It's a primary reason TCNJ is in the vanguard of public colleges in the United States. It should be no surprise, then, that our extended college family continues to show up in large numbers to support the ambitious fundraising goals of The College of New Jersey Foundation. In FY16, we raised a total of $9.95 million in combined gifts and pledges, outpacing our aggressive goal for the year by more than four percent. The Campaign for TCNJ also continues to shatter expectations. We have eclipsed 90 percent of goal with more than a year left in our first comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, more than 10,000 donors have supported the campaign through 30,628 unique gifts and pledges. This includes the 759 individuals who made our first ever "Day of Giving" a tremendous success, contributing $75,444 in just 24 hours. Given these successes, our ambitious goal of raising $40 million over four years appears well within reach. I'd like to recognize campaign co-chairs Barbara Myers Pelson '59 and Allen Silk for their continued leadership. Thanks also to the countless volunteers who have contributed to an effort that continues to surpass all expectations. The foundation is already paying it forward. Sixty-seven new current-use and endowed scholarships have been established totaling more than $20 million. We're also securing the college's future by continuing to add to the endowment. Overall assets reached nearly $41.5 million this year, a record high. Under the leadership of board chair Jim Gater '71, '80, the foundation codified the important role it plays in support of the college. It adopted a new mission statement in March that puts front and center the importance of "expanding access to and enhancing the outstanding educational and community service opportunities provided to The College of New Jersey." These principals have long underpinned the work of the foundation, but this new mission statement sends a strong message to donors by reaffirming our philanthropic commitment to TCNJ's future. Also this year, Leo Kelly '97, treasurer and chair of the Finance and Investment Committee, along with his colleagues on the committee, continued to provide outstanding leadership for the foundation's portfolio. Last winter, they completed a review of fund advisors to ensure that we continue to receive exceptional investment management services. Leo's term on the board ended this spring, but the foundation will benefit from his contributions for years to come. The foundation board has long recognized that human capital is its most valuable resource. This was on display perhaps more than ever before this year, as volunteers, students, alumni, donors, staff, and faculty gave selflessly of their time, talent, and treasure to support TCNJ's indelible commitment to exceptional student outcomes. As we enter the final year of the campaign, I am confident that the continued generosity of many will once again propel us to far exceed our goals. It will also set the tone for an enduring philanthropic commitment to the college from every generation of Lions. John P. Donohue Executive Director Dear Friends,

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